During the coronavirus crisis I have witnessed mental health being a topic discussed more than ever, not just limited to specific days of the year. I am pleased this discussion has arisen, yet as we ease lockdown, I see its influence already becoming diminished.
The discussion has not influenced parts of our society that are causing the most stigma and discrimination: culture, social norms, expectations, and workplaces. What I have been struggling to come to terms with is the concept of “returning to normal”, particularly as an individual with multiple mental health conditions.
There was nothing in particular that made me realise I was struggling. It was more a cumulation of things and lots of sitting on the floor crying. But I realised I needed to get some help.
I started my journey with Time to Change when I signed up as a Champion in 2018. As someone who's experienced mental health problems in my family and first-hand, I wanted to do my bit to raise awareness.
As someone with a chronic anxiety disorder, and intermittent agoraphobia, it is essential for my mental health to keep to a routine, be busy, go out regularly, and maintain social contact.
Yet today, amidst a global pandemic that has seen many countries on lockdown as the death toll continues to rise, these things are increasingly hard to do.
